Raul Saavedra, M.D., 76

Dr. Raul Gaston Saavedra, 76, who resided in the Oak Park and River Forest area for over 40 years, died on Sept. 13, 2012. Born on Aug. 31, 1936 in Potosi, Bolivia, South America, he was raised in Cochabamba, Bolivia, attended La Salle Primaria and Collegio Sucre in Cochabamba, Bolivia, attended the Universidad Mayor de San Simon y San Andres, and received his degree of Medico Cirujano.

He emigrated to the United States in 1967 and completed his internship at Columbus Hospital in Chicago and his residency in Internal and Pulmonary Medicine at Hines V.A. Hospital in Hines. He held many prestigious positions at local hospitals, including president and chairman of St. Elizabeth Hospital and branch president of the Chicago Medical Society.

Dr. Saavedra was a dedicated member to the Rotary Club, a founding member of the Bolivian Medical Society, a proud member of the Bolivian Friendship Club and an avid golfer in his free time.

He is survived by his wife, Betty Saavedra of River Forest; his children, Iris Saavedra-Zaldivar (Daniel), Cecilia, Cynthia, Raquel and Raul Gaston Jr. (Jennifer); and his grandchildren, Natalia, Jimmy and Jandro and Alexander and Sadie.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be sent to: Rotary Club of Oak Park-River Forest (in honor of Dr. Raul Gaston Saavedra) P.O. Box 654, Oak Park 60303.

Visitation will take place on Sept. 21 from 5 to 8 p.m. A memorial service and Mass will be celebrated on Sept. 22 from 9 to 11 a.m. at St. Vincent Ferrer Church, 1530 Jackson Ave, River Forest 60305.